Tag Archives: Colleges & Universities
5 Most Popular Online Degrees
With the influx of online degree programs for adult students, more adults are finding it easier to return to school. However, with the rising number of online degree programs to choose from, adult students are questioning which degree programs are most popular. Popularity can indicate a few different things. Firstly, popularity may mean more competition. The more adult students receiving an online degree, the more competition there will be in the job market once all of the students complete the program. On a more positive note, popular online degrees also illustrate that these degrees are great degrees to earn online. With so many adult students enrolling in certain online degree programs, we had to research why.
According to Yahoo!, a criminal justice degree is the best degree to earn online. Why is this true? Many attribute its popularity to the fact that many professionals earning a criminal justice degree online are still working in their criminal justice career. Most career paths in criminal justice require extra schooling, and with the option to earn online degrees more and more adults are signing up.
So what’s the second most popular college degree to earn online? You guessed it, business. The field of business has always been a popular field. Similar to criminal justice, many business professionals return to colleges and universities for additional schooling and higher degrees. With the option to earn an MBA degree online, no wonder so many adult students are enrolling in business online degree programs.
The third most popular college degree to earn online is a degree in healthcare. A career in healthcare requires professionals to be very computer literate. With almost all healthcare data stored on a computer, it’s no surprise that degrees in healthcare are now offered online.
IT (Information Technology) is a very popular college degree to earn online. Because IT professionals use computers each and every day throughout their career, earning a degree online prepares students for what their career will consist of. Becoming familiar with online courses will help adult students enrolled in online IT programs feel comfortable working with different computer systems throughout their career.
Last but not least, the fifth most popular online degree to earn is nursing. Because nursing requires a lot of clinical experience, some of the degree will have to be completed in hospitals to gain experience. But most of the courses that nursing students are required to take are now offered online! With nursing being such a popular and booming field, earning this degree online has really appealed to adult students.
So there you have it, the five most popular online degrees to earn according to Yahoo!. Will you follow the trend, or beat to the sound of your own drum?
Attention: Adults Returning To College!
As an adult returning to college you may be afraid, intimidated, or you just may not know what to expect. But it’s important for you to know you’re not the only one. There are many adults returning to college with the same fears and concerns you have. That’s why we’ve created a list of possible concerns you may be having, so you can stop having them and be confident and ready for this journey.
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Concern 1: “I’m too old to become a student, what’s the point”
Adult students are more common than you think. Some colleges and universities even enroll more s than traditional ones. Adults are quickly realizing how important education is and how earning a college degree may open up many doors. If you plan on working for many more years and you want to increase your skills, than you’re not too old to earn your college degree. Adults are retiring later in life than ever before; if you think you’re too old for school, think again! 50 is the new 25 – so act accordingly!
Concern 2: “I don’t remember how to be a student.”
Sure, it may have been awhile since you’ve sat in a desk with the smell of chalk in the air. But that doesn’t mean you forgot how to be a student. In fact, adult students have an advantage being that they have real life experience. You may study differently than you did 20 years ago, but “different” could sometimes mean “better”. Believe it or not, you know more than you did as a young adult. You’ve been in contact with more people and you’ve been in more situations. Being a student is like riding a bike; once you learn it, you’ll never forget it.
Concern 3: “I don’t have time to earn my college degree”
Yes, earning a college degree is a time commitment but there are so many ways to incorporate studying and learning in your everyday life. Many schools for adults offer online degrees that be completed while you keep your career and whatever else your busy life may consist of. You may be one of the many adults that need a college degree in order to advance in your career. Many law enforcement professionals are in this position and end up enrolling in an online criminal justice degree program that could easily be completed from home. They get to keep their career and earn a degree.
Concern 4: “I can’t afford to earn my college degree”
Although earning a college degree can be costly, it’s a great investment! There are many adult students who have this same concern. Some are saving up for their children to attend college in the future and others just don’t have the extra cash. Based on a financial need basis, many adult students receive financial aid. You can apply for financial aid by going on the website and filling out your information. This information could take a while to fill out so it’s best to start early. Another way to save money is to rent your books or buy used books. It’s not just the tuition that costs people, but it’s also the room and board, books, and more. Figure out how much your education is going to cost you and figure out simple ways to reduce the cost. Whether that means carpooling or cutting back on that yearly vacation earning your college degree is certainly worth the cost.
Becoming a nontraditional student will be a transition and earning your college degree may be a challenge, but it will be rewarding in more ways than one. Write down the concerns you’re having and figure out ways to fix them. Once you see your fears written down you’ll realize that every obstacle you come up with has a solution.
5 Ways to Choose Your College
With colleges and universities everywhere you turn, it can be difficult to decide which college is the right one for you. Should you earn your degree in a different state? How about a different country? Or maybe you should earn your college degree online? There are pros and cons to every big life decision you make, especially in college. That’s why we’ve created this checklist – to help make your decision an informed and easy one.
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Scenery
You should earn your college degree from a school in which you feel comfortable. Some students question how they’ll know what they do or don’t like about a school. How can you predict if you are going to enjoy the colleges and universities you’re interested in or not? Simply. Do you like rural or urban environments? Do you want to attend a small or big school? How safe is the campus? Once you figure out the environment you want to earn your college degree at, plan a visit and see for yourself.
Connections
As you earn your college degree, you will make connections with peers, professors, and employers. You may work as an intern and make professional connections that could land you a full-time career. The college or university you consider attending could be the location you end up living in for a large portion of your life. If you earn your degree in a city you hate, you may have to learn to love it, which is why you should visit and research the colleges and universities you’re interested in before earning your college degree there.
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Obligations
Although the thought of moving out-of-state or out of the country may be appealing to some, is it practical? You may have children, close friends and relatives, and a career where you currently live. It is important to consider colleges and universities that will not cause you to give up your life to earn your degree. With online degrees and many colleges and universities to choose from, earning your college degree shouldn’t be as much of a sacrifice as it once was.
Reputation
Let’s say you are interested in earning your degree in Art. Before earning your college degree from just any art school, research the colleges and universities you’re interested in. Use search engines to research which art schools are the best in the nation or the best in the state you live in. You don’t have to attend the #1 art school, but you should shoot as high as possible.
Accreditation
Unfortunately, there are many colleges and universities that are not accredited. You don’t want to earn your college degree only to find out you can’t use it. Do your research and find out which colleges and universities are accredited and which aren’t accredited. There are many colleges and universities that will try to scam students, don’t be one of them.
Earning your college degree could take several years to complete depending on the program in which you’re enrolled. Don’t you want to spend those years in an environment you enjoy? And an environment that works for you and possibly your loved ones? Remember to focus on these 5 things when choosing which colleges and universities you want to earn your college degree from. Sure, this may take some time and effort but in the end it’ll be worth it.
Your Checklist for an Online Accounting Degree
All colleges and universities offering an accounting degree online have different requirements to get admitted. Depending on the school ranking determines how difficult the admission process will be for students. If you’re interested in earning an accounting degree online, prepare yourself by adhering to the following criteria:
- GPA- Whether it’s your college or high school GPA that you’ll be using to apply to an accounting degree online, it’s important that your GPA is decent and at least average. High ranking colleges and universities will require applicants to have very high GPAs in order to get admitted. Remember that earning an accounting degree online can be very competitive; therefore, try your best to earn the highest GPA possible.
- College Test Scores- ACT and SAT scores are weighed very heavily for applicants who wish to earn their accounting degree online. Colleges and universities want to make sure that students are well rounded in all subject areas. Because an accounting degree online touches on all different subject areas, colleges and universities rely heavily on these test scores to analyze students.
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- Activities- If you lack in one area, it’s important to make up for it in another. Getting involved in clubs and organizations is an easy and fun way to add to your application. Colleges and universities really admire students who have become president of a club or organization because it shows initiative and leadership. Most students look past this area of the application, but most colleges and universities really stress the importance of getting involved in your schools and communities.
- Relevance- In order to be accepted to an accounting degree online program, it will help if you’ve had relevant experience. Although this is not mandatory, this is another way you can higher your chances of getting admitted to the colleges and universities you’re interested in. Whether you’ve gained experience through an internship or through volunteering, discuss it in your personal statement so that the colleges and universities you’re applying to are informed.
If you feel that your GPA is too low or your college tests scores are below what they should be, maybe it’s best to earn your accounting degree online at colleges and universities that are not as highly ranked. You will have a better chance of getting accepted and earning your accounting degree online. But be sure to check and make sure that the colleges and universities you’re interested in are accredited.
What Colleges and Universities Don’t Teach You
Sure, colleges and universities offer many programs to choose from. Students find a degree program they’re interested in and earn their college degree. They celebrate the success of graduating with a college degree and then the job search begins….
Colleges and universities not only expand your knowledge in a particular subject, but they also teach you to adhere to deadlines, present information, be punctual, and to collaborate with others. But what do colleges and universities not teach you?
- The real world requires not only a degree but experience. Where can you find experience? Internships are a great place to start! Volunteering is another method. As long as you know that just earning an education does not cut it. What does this teach students? It says that in order to become successful, students must do more than just attend classes; instead they should get involved and seek experience that pertains to their college degree. Don’t wait until you graduate to gain experience, start early. Use summers and breaks throughout the year to gain experience. You want to become a veterinarian? Volunteer at an animal shelter or work at a pet store. If you can’t find experience there, volunteer to walk the neighborhood dogs. Look for experience anywhere you can.
- While applying for jobs, you’ll find that a good resume is important. Students often wonder how they should go about writing a resume. There are certain writing techniques you should use to entice the reader. For example, short phrases are better than long detailed sentences. Colleges and universities don’t teach you how to write a resume, but most will guide students to websites or workshops where they can craft the perfect resume.
- You’ll come across a wide array of people as you earn your college degree. One thing that never ceases to stick out is the “just rolled out of bed college trademark look,” whether it be the large sweatpants or the bed head, this look is visible from a mile away. However, appearance is a chief factor when landing the job you want or even when approaching your professor. The image you portray illustrates what you want out of your career and your education. Remember, you are what you wear. Just because there is no dress code doesn’t mean you should wear your favorite spaghetti stained shirt to class, or anywhere for that matter.
- While attending college classes it’s easy to forget that the connection you make with your professor is important. Aside from the fact that they are grading your tests and papers, they are people that you should develop a good relationship with. Why? Well, if you plan on attending any additional schooling after earning your degree you will need references from your professors. Some jobs even require references. The biggest mistake you can make is to be the shy student that never made any attempt at forming a bond with your professor. Besides, your professors are knowledgeable people who can provide guidance throughout your college career.
- Colleges and universities don’t teach you how to navigate a computer. Not that you have to be a computer whiz, but it may be beneficial to take a computer course before enrolling full-time in a degree program. Microsoft programs, typing skills, and navigating the internet are all skills used in almost all college classes. Sure, most professors are more than happy to assist students with any technical questions they may have, but it’s really your responsibility to become computer savvy.
With all this being said, it’s important to note that colleges and universities DO teach you to be independent. So, while you may not have learned how to write a resume, your college or university provided you with resources, such as resume writing workshops.
Think of colleges and universities as a parent teaching a child. There is a lot of information to share and some you leave up to the child to learn independently.
Law Degree: Learn All of the Career Options for Law Graduates!
The image of a lawyer arguing inside of a courtroom about a child custody case is a common image many people seem to have. But it’s not the only image you should have about lawyers. With a law degree there are many options for graduates, options you need to hear about!
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With a law degree, lawyers can become real estate lawyers, patent lawyers, or environmental lawyers. There are so many options for those who hold a law degree. And, interestingly, these types of lawyers don’t spend their work days in a courtroom. Instead, they spend a lot of time working closely with clients, completing paperwork, and researching cases.
Because a law degree provides students with valuable skills in research, writing, and communication, some law degree graduates choose a career that doesn’t involve law at all. Some law degree holders work for non-profit organizations, using their writing skills to write grants. Some lawyers work at colleges and universities in order to promote the school through fundraising. And other lawyers work in schools as political science or writing teachers.
There may be other careers that require a critical thinker, researcher, and good writer. Be creative! A law degree can open up doors in many directions other than in litigation. The great thing about earning a law degree is that you will have options. After 15 years working as a lawyer, maybe you will want to work for a non-profit organization, or teach the skills and information you have to high school students. With a law degree, the possibilities are endless and exciting.
A great way to figure out if a career path is for you or not is to job shadow. Let’s say you’re interested in becoming an environmental lawyer. Research a lawyer that you wish to shadow and send him or her an e-mail making that request. Although this may seem intimidating, remember that they were in your shoes once before. Or it may be helpful to find alum from the law school you attended so that there is a commonality between you. The main point is to get out there and discover if practicing law and attending law school is right for you.
Art School: Draw Out Your Future
You’re an artist. You live to create. You see the world differently. You don’t only paint a picture, but you paint an image of what your life and the world should look like. You’re not an ordinary thinker, so why receive an ordinary education? You have talent and now it’s time to put it to use. By attending art school, you will receive an education that will incorporate your hobbies, a potential career, and an education- all in one. Most people live their lives working jobs they hate, with a degree they earned because someone recommended it to them at a college fair. But why be that person? There are so many art schools for you to choose from.
Do online degrees appeal to you? There are many art schools with online degrees available. So in addition to your education, you can still keep your personal life, your hobbies, and a career you may have started. But maybe you’re the type of person that believes online degrees give students too much freedom and you prefer structure. Colleges and universities offer traditional programs as well where you can work collaboratively with other aspiring artists and professors. The choice is yours.
What other benefits does art school offer students?
Aside from receiving a unique education, the New York Times claims that art school produces students who think more critically and have unique visions and ideas. Students in art school are more likely to complete projects in their life, such as jobs, because they are used to completing an assignment until they see an end result. Additionally art school produces better thinkers. The world does not consist of black and white, but instead many shades of gray. There is no right and wrong answer to many questions in life. But instead our world consists of in-betweens. Art students are more likely to see all variations of an argument, idea, or political debate. In art school, students are trained to see a picture as a whole and not one side. If you thought that art school only provided students with training and knowledge in the arts, think again. Art school in fact, offers much much more.
Imagine a college or university with majors in football, sewing, or running. These majors simply do not exist, yet they are all very popular hobbies among Americans. Individuals that are passionate about the arts should consider themselves lucky. Lucky that colleges and universities across the world value the arts and therefore offer education in the field. Colleges and universities are waiting for you, and your innovative ideas to put your thoughts into action. With art and design majors in graphic arts, fine arts, game animation and design, film, photography and more! The options are endless and so are your opportunities.
Student Profiles: What Type of Student Are You?
Before beginning any college classes, it’s important to know what type of student you are. We’re not talking about jocks vs. non-jocks… we’re talking about the way you study and interact in the classroom. Read the following student descriptions and the problems each student faces to determine which student represents you best.
- Slacker Sam - Sam is studying business and he’s very intelligent, yet his GPA is suffering. Since Sam has always been told that he’s intelligent, he doesn’t feel the need to attend the “unnecessary classes” (note: there is no such thing). Sam goes to class a few times a week and still does well on the tests. So why is his GPA so low? Well, participation is a large percent of class grades and that is where Sam lacks. Sam doesn’t like going to class and participating because sometimes he feels that he already knows what the teacher is saying. “Class is for people that need to learn, not me. I’m just here to earn my degree” is the attitude that Sam has. Not only is Sam’s GPA suffering, but when it’s time to apply to MBA programs he will have a hard time asking professors for recommendations. To them, Sam is just a name without a face.
- Distracted Denise- Denise goes to every class, every day. She truly enjoys her classes in photography. In the beginning of the semester Denise is very attentive, she studies a few weeks before each exam, and does pretty well on them with so much preparation. As the semester continues, Denise gets a little lazy. Although she still goes to class, her mind is in another place. Either she’s texting her friends about weekend plans or she just falls asleep in her desk. She wishes that she could maintain the same enthusiasm about school throughout the entire semester, but this seems to always be an issue for her.
- Virtual Valerie- Valerie has just started earning an online degree. This seemed to be a great way for her to earn a degree because she already works full-time. The problem that Valerie is facing is a lack of motivation. Sure, she has the time after work to study and interact on online message boards, but instead she takes a long bath and watches T.V. She’s starting to think that an online degree may be for a more structured student, something she’s never been much of.
- Anti-social Andy- Andy is a straight A student. He has never missed a day of college in his entire college career. He has a 4.0 GPA and is involved in a number of organizations. Sure, Andy has great grades and is an excellent student, but he has a hard time working with others because he is a perfectionist. When Andy is in class, he dreads hearing the words “group work” because he’d rather just work alone. Andy hopes he can overcome this struggle so that he can one day work well with others in the workplace.
- Overworked Owen- Owen has four daughters all under the age of 10. He thought that he’d be able to manage a full-time job and attend full-time school, but he’s starting to think again. Owen is starting to wish that he chose to earn an online degree because he misses being home with his family, and they miss him too. Owen wakes up at 6 a.m. to start working and goes directly to night class from work with no time to study. His grades are suffering, but he just can’t seem to find enough time in the day to do everything he’s supposed to do.
How would you fix these students problems? Come up with methods for them to be better students. Sometimes seeing problems in someone else’s life are easier to fix than when they are your own. Use the methods you came up with to help yourself become a better student. It is important to remember that no student is perfect. Figure out where your flaws are and work on them to avoid any obstacles throughout your college career.